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Harbor Electronics to Pay $17,301 to Settle Chemical Reporting Violations

Release Date: 11/24/1998
Contact Information: Ruth Podems (215) 814-5540

ETTERS, Pa. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Harbor Electronics Inc. has agreed to pay a $17,301 penalty to settle the agency’s complaint over alleged violations of toxic chemical reporting regulations at its Etters, Pa. plant.  The facility manufactures electronic cable harness assemblies.  

In its March 30, 1998, administrative complaint, EPA alleged that the company violated the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) by failing to file timely reports on the amounts of two toxic chemicals released at the plant.  The consent agreement settling the case was filed on November 16, 1998.

EPCRA requires companies that manufacture, process or use more than a threshold amount of regulated chemicals to file an annual "toxic chemical release form" with EPA and the state.  Companies must report accidental releases of toxic chemicals, as well as the maximum amount of any listed chemicals at the facility and the amount contained in wastes.  

The reports provide the basis for EPA’s annual "Toxic Release Inventory," which is provided to the public and regulatory authorities to track pollution trends and identify pollution prevention opportunities.  

In its complaint, EPA alleges that the company failed to report the amounts of copper released at the facility in 1994 through 1996,  and the amount of 1,1 dichloro-1-fluoroethane, a solvent, released in 1996. (Note: The complaint alleged reporting violations, and not an unlawful release of these chemicals.)


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